Bitter Downfall MTG Card
2023-06-23 - Number 528
2023-06-23 - Number 77
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
This spell costs less to cast if it targets a creature that was dealt damage this turn. Destroy target creature. Its controller loses 2 life.
"I tried to take the Ring from Frodo. I am sorry. I have paid." —Boromir
Cards like Bitter Downfall
Bitter Downfall offers a fresh take on creature removal within the Magic: The Gathering arsenal. Its resemblance to spells like Murder is evident, as both cards serve the core purpose of eliminating opposing creatures with no limitations on size or protections. However, Bitter Downfall edges ahead by enabling graveyard interaction. Unlike Murder, Bitter Downfall exiles the creature it destroys, foiling any plans your opponent had for graveyard retrieval or reanimation effects.
In the same niche, we find the card Terminate. This removal spell has a slight advantage in mana cost, utilizing red and black instead of the three black mana of Bitter Downfall. While it can’t remove indestructible creatures or interact with the graveyard, its simplicity and speed make it a reliable choice. Conversely, Vraska’s Contempt also exiles targets much like Bitter Downfall, and with the added bonus of targeting planeswalkers and granting life. Nevertheless, it carries a steeper mana cost, which can affect its flexibility compared to the more streamlined Bitter Downfall.
Assessing the various options for creature removal, Bitter Downfall offers a strategic balance between mana cost and control over the battlefield and opponents’ graveyards, standing as a solid choice for any Magic: The Gathering player looking to enhance their removal tactics.
Cards similar to Bitter Downfall by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Bitter Downfall enables you to eliminate a significant threat from your opponent’s side of the battlefield, effectively disrupting their game plan and potentially swinging the tempo in your favor. The added value of this card lies in its ability to deal with creatures or planeswalkers, offering a versatile solution to various problematic scenarios on the board.
Resource Acceleration: While Bitter Downfall doesn’t directly generate mana or tokens, by removing key pieces of an opponent’s strategy, it can indirectly accelerate your resources. You maintain your board presence and resources while depleting theirs, potentially leading to a more substantial resource advantage as the game progresses.
Instant Speed: The instant speed nature of Bitter Downfall provides a strategic edge, allowing you to respond to threats on your opponent’s turn or at the end of their turn to maintain the element of surprise. This flexibility gives you the upper hand, as you can wait for the most opportune moment to cast it without having to commit to a play on your own turn, keeping your options open for other instant-time interactions.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Bitter Downfall may pack a punch in disrupting your opponent, but it does come with the cost of discarding a card. This trade-off can be particularly tricky when your hand is running low, forcing you to potentially sacrifice key pieces of your strategy to activate its effect.
Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a precise blend of mana, including black, to cast. This specific mana cost means that it slots seamlessly into mono-black or two-color decks, but can become a stumbling block in more color-diverse deck builds, potentially limiting its versatility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the effect of Bitter Downfall might swing the game in your favor, its cost is on the higher side. In situations where tempo is crucial, the mana you invest in casting Bitter Downfall could put you at a disadvantage, as there are spells with similar capabilities that come at a more economical mana value.
Reasons to Include Bitter Downfall in Your Collection
Versatility: Bitter Downfall offers a flexible removal option that can adapt to a variety of situations. Its ability to target any creature or planeswalker makes it a relevant card regardless of the deck your opponent is playing.
Combo Potential: While not a combo piece in the traditional sense, Bitter Downfall’s mechanic can seamlessly fit into decks that utilize graveyard strategies. By eliminating threats, it clears the way for your synergistic combos to unfold uninterruptedly.
Meta-Relevance: Given the diverse threats present in the current meta, having an instant-speed removal spell like Bitter Downfall is crucial. Its utility in managing omnipresent planeswalkers and significant creatures makes it a worthy inclusion in your arsenal against varied decks.
How to Beat Bitter Downfall
Confronting Bitter Downfall in a game of Magic: The Gathering demands a strategic approach. This removal card is known for its adaptability, as it can target both creatures and planeswalkers, which can be a real hurdle if you’re looking to maintain your board presence. Being an instant, its owner can weave it seamlessly during either player’s turn, creating a challenging obstacle to navigate.
Countering Bitter Downfall’s effects involves assessing your deck’s strengths and weaknesses. To mitigate against it, consider including cards that can either protect your key creatures and planeswalkers or at least replace themselves in your hand upon being targeted. Utilizing hexproof abilities, for instance, can be an excellent tactic to shield your assets from such targeted removal. Alternatively, diversifying the threats on your board can dilute the impact of Bitter Downfall, forcing your opponent to make tough choices on what to eliminate.
Ultimately, outmaneuvering Bitter Downfall revolves around playing proactively and knowing when to commit your pieces to the board. By doing so, you spread the risk and sustain your ability to press forward even after facing this formidable spell.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Bitter Downfall MTG card by a specific set like The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth and The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.
For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.
Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.
Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Bitter Downfall and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Printings
The Bitter Downfall Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-06-23 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by John Di Giovanni.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023-06-23 | The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth | LTR | 528 | 2015 | Normal | Black | John Di Giovanni | |
| 2 | 2023-06-23 | The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth | LTR | 77 | 2015 | Normal | Black | John Di Giovanni |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Bitter Downfall has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |